Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

[ZmOz]

I know someone that works at a chemical supply place, and I have gotten about six 5 gallon plastic jugs that were originally meant for very strong hydrochloric acid. (although they were never used) I was just thinking today, one or two would make a perfect gas tank for my outboard. Does anybody know if it would be legal for me to do this? Both filling at the pump, and having on board my boat? Or must they be approved by somebody?

 

[DuPont Spinner]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Please don't take this comment wrong, but why not just spend $30 and buy a 6 gallon plastic tank. If you wish to make your own, how will you install the fuel gauge and air vent? In Washington, all portable fuel tanks must be colored red. Like a lot of people, I too like to build stuff and take pride in home built equipment, lures, and what-not. But a fuel tank is not something you want to guess with. On top of all this, a 6 gallon tank is easier to figure the oil/fuel mixture, assuming a 50:1 mix. This note may or may not be words of wisdom; after all, you know your boat/motor combo better than anyone else. Hope all works well if you go ahead with your project. DuPont

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Well...I could spend $30 on another tank, or I could use that $30 to buy more gas. As for a gauge, the jug is clear so it would be easy to tell. If I really had to I could spray paint it red, and leave a small window for the gauge. Also I like the shape of this tank better than any regular 6 gallon tank, it fits very nicely in the back of my boat.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

I don't know about the legallity of what you propose, but there are plenty of aftermarket fuel cells available for boats that are not red, and there are plenty of people who weld up steel or aluminum fuel tanks all the time. I think you would be fine if you were permanently mounting them in, but if they are to be portable, they need to be red and permanently labelled as gasoline. As far as if the material will hold up, just fill one up leaving an air gap at the top and let it set. If the material doesn't warp or distort permanently from pressure or chemical reaction, it should work. Petrolium products can be very hard on plastic, you would be surprised.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

I know that up here in Canada...you cannot fill a fuel tank that is not certified. People still do of course...but if the gas station attendant is paying attention...you will be refused service<br /><br />TMD

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

That's one of the main reasons I'm asking, here in Oregon it is illegal to pump your own gas. It's great on cold days, I don't have to step foot out of my truck. For things like this, however, it sucks.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Why in the world is it illegal to pump your own gas?

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

I beleive the reason was to give more jobs to people who aren't qualified to work at Mcdonalds.

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Hey Roscoe, see what I mean. How much you wanna bet that law got started with the phrase "We aught to make a law,,,that you can't pump your own gas." Unbelievable. <br /><br />GodsBeast on a rampage!

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

So,,they trust them with putting GAS into YOUR vehicles?

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

ZmOz, with laws like that, I would advise that you stay with an approved Gas Can then. As others posted, If you want a certain size, have one made especially to fit the area you want it in, with a site tube, or guage, and you may consider having it made to hold a certain amount, to get your Oil mixture right. Other wise, you will be the next Law Abiding victim of that phrase "We aught to make a LAW",,, when this highly qualified gas attendant refuses to fill up the tank you wish to use.<br /><br />GodsBeast

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Next thing you know they'll make you have a license to go fishing! Oh wait...

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Hey ZmOz, and Roscoe, to really understand where I was comming from you'd have to go to Stupid Human tricks while boating/fishing, and read the thread: People who do not need to own a boat. <br />I kinda got on my Soap box, and went on a Rampage <br /><br />Just one of GodsBeast's

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Next thing you know they'll make you have a license to go fishing! Oh wait

Hey guys, you get ready to retire, or make a change, come to South Carolina. The greatest state for fishermen (and hunters), If you are content to fish with a pole and line, or hand line, and natural bait, no license needed.<br />When I became 64 1/2 get a free lifetime hunt & fishing license for $9.00, if 65, YOU GET A FREE LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Lakeman1999 go ahead Rub it in Just parden me it I don't want to rush my way to 65! <br /><br />Hey I'm glad you get to Hunt and Fish for Free, you earned it. <br /><br />GodsBeast

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Hey Guy's leave ZmOz alone New Jersey is backward also we are not allowed to pump gas either. Every time it comes up for debate it gets shot down. I am not complaining either unless I get the dope thats as slow as molasses in the winter time. I don't have to get gas on me, get wet when its raining, or freeze my tail off. And you know what, the price for gas is equal to or less than what a lot of you are paying.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Trouble is the gas attendants always try to top off the tank, despite the labels saying not too. Bugs me because everytime they do it on my boat, it overflows and there's gas (that I pay for) on the ground etc.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

Here the gas prices are the third highest in the US... . About $2.15 for the premium my boat gulps down...

 

[timothyl]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

I have a 19 gallon aluminum tank that a friend of mine built for my 1966 Glasspar Seafair Sedan. He took measurements of a bow tank that he had bought for his boat and made a copy. The tank has ventalation and I have never had any gasoline smell in the cabin. Granted that this is a replica, and he is a certified aluminum welder, does anyone know of or forsee any problems with this?

 

[gdbwinnipeg]

Re: Is it legal to make my own gas tank?

About the pumping your own gas topic. I just had to tell you this one. I am from winnipeg, sometimes minus 40 winters. I was filling up beside a guy who had a frozen locking gas cap. So he pulls out his bic lighter and turns it up until its a torch and he tries to heat the lock area with it. I don't know but he would be one good reason for banning pumping your own gas. Luckily I'm still here to be able to tell you that one.